Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.
The kingdom was renewed at Gilgal after the victory over the Ammonites in the deliverance of Jabesh-gilead. Samuel proposed going to Gilgal to solemnly confirm the kingdom to Saul. That victory turned the people strongly in Saul's favor, stirring their enthusiasm and honor for him, so that all opposition to his authority seemed now to have ceased. The people went to Gilgal and confirmed him as king with great rejoicing and abundant sacrifices of thanksgiving.
At first Saul gave God the glory for the success, but later he took the honor to himself. His pride and loss of dependence on God prepared the way for his presumption and sacrilege at Gilgal. The assembly there was followed by Saul's dismissal of most of the army, a serious mistake because the victory had left the troops hopeful and courageous.
The kingdom was renewed at Gilgal after the victory over the Ammonites in the deliverance of Jabesh-gilead. Samuel proposed going to Gilgal to solemnly confirm the kingdom to Saul. That victory turned the people strongly in Saul's favor, stirring their enthusiasm and honor for him, so that all opposition to his authority seemed now to have ceased. The people went to Gilgal and confirmed him as king with great rejoicing and abundant sacrifices of thanksgiving.
At first Saul gave God the glory for the success, but later he took the honor to himself. His pride and loss of dependence on God prepared the way for his presumption and sacrilege at Gilgal. The assembly there was followed by Saul's dismissal of most of the army, a serious mistake because the victory had left the troops hopeful and courageous.